Iranian foreign minister: "We have never refused U.S. talks mediated by Pakistan"

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he has never refused talks with the United States mediated by Pakistan.

In a post on X on the 4th (local time), Araghchi said "U.S. media are misquoting Iran’s position," adding, "We deeply appreciate Pakistan’s efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad (Pakistan’s capital)."

He went on to stress that "our sole concern is what the 'conditions to decisively and permanently END' this unlawful war of aggression imposed on us are."

He also reiterated Iran’s longstanding stance by writing "END" in uppercase, signaling it is demanding a complete end to the war and safeguards against its recurrence—not a temporary ceasefire.

The remarks are seen as emphasizing that any end-of-war terms must be accepted—including preventing a renewed conflict, compensation for damages, and recognition of control over the Strait of Hormuz—while conditioning any diplomatic solution, rather than explicitly stating willingness to join negotiations with the United States.

Meanwhile, regarding U.S.-Iran talks, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 3rd, citing mediators, that negotiations have fallen into a stalemate.

According to the report, Iran conveyed that it has no intention of meeting U.S. officials and cannot accept Washington’s demands in connection with ceasefire talks that had been expected to be held in Islamabad.

Pakistan has stepped in to mediate to end the war between the two countries, and the possibility had been raised that direct talks could be concluded in Islamabad.

The New York Times (NYT) also reported the previous day that U.S. intelligence agencies assess Iran currently has no intention of participating in ceasefire negotiations.

While the negotiations are struggling, Turkey and Egypt, among others, are also reportedly taking part in mediation efforts in an attempt to find a breakthrough.

Shin Hyun-bo, Hankyung.com reporter greaterfool@hankyung.com